bookrebus Chapter 851 The Upcoming "Heroes' Feast"
Chapter 851 The Upcoming "Heroes' Feast"
Zhao Hu and Qian Bin's plan was insidious and meticulous. They decided to remain silent and test and expose the scheme in several steps:
1. The ulterior motive behind the "Heroes' Feast":
Under the pretext of "comforting the soldiers and rewarding their talents," Zhao Hu set up a "Heroes' Banquet" in the central army tent three days later, specifically requesting Lin Xiaowan and six other women to perform.
Content of the probe:
Alcohol tolerance and courage: During the banquet, Qian Bin would personally "toast" the women, using the strongest liquor in the army, and empty each cup completely, observing their drinking capacity, drinking posture, and whether they would say something inappropriate or reveal any flaws after drinking. Ordinary women, especially those in the so-called "music troupe," usually couldn't hold their liquor, or would appear weak and delicate after drinking.
Adaptability and insight: Zhao Hu would deliberately "discuss" some "military affairs" with Qian Bin during the meal—in reality, these were half-truths, or even deliberately designed military deployments, place names, and unit numbers. He would pay attention to the reactions of Lin Xiaowan and others, noting whether anyone's eyes or expressions changed when they heard certain key information, or whether they could understand some jargon or code words.
An "unexpected" disturbance: Qian Bin arranged for two bodyguards to suddenly burst into the tent under the pretext of "urgent military intelligence" during the climax of the performance or after a few rounds of drinks, creating chaos and tension to observe their instinctive reactions to the unexpected situation. Would they panic, turn pale, remain calm, or even have a hint of vigilance or scrutiny in their eyes?
2. The challenges of "improvisation":
Assigned topics: Qian Bin would suddenly suggest that they improvise. For example, he might ask Lin Xiaohong to play a piece on the theme of "Beacon Fire," Bai Mei to sing a new song on the theme of "Breaking the Enemy's Formation," and Lin Xiaowan and others to choreograph a dance depicting "The Triumphant Return of Soldiers." This required them not only to have talent but also an understanding of military affairs and war. If they were just an ordinary band, their performance might seem empty or out of place.
The "inquiry" about swordsmanship: Zhao Hu would feign, "Miss Lin Xiaoyan's swordsmanship is superb, and I am also a great lover of this art. Would you be so kind as to offer some pointers?" In reality, he would personally engage in combat, testing Lin Xiaoyan's skill with some basic military fighting techniques. If Lin Xiaoyan's moves were merely fancy footwork, it would be easily detected; but if she handled them with ease, even inadvertently revealing practical combat skills, it would further confirm Qian Bin's judgment.
3. A follow-up measure to "cut off the fuel supply":
Qian Bin had a backup plan. He had secretly sent people to inquire in the villages near the military camp where Lin Xiaowan and the others had initially "settled" to verify whether their claim of "being displaced to avoid the war" was true. At the same time, he strengthened the guards around the military camp, especially the granary, armory, and the area around the commander's tent, so that if Lin Xiaowan and the others made any unusual moves, they would be apprehended immediately.
“General,” Qian Bin added sinisterly, “this ‘Heroes’ Feast’ is a trap. If they are truly genuine and impervious to scrutiny, that’s for the best; if they are not, they will surely slip up under these layers of testing. When caught red-handed, let’s see how they will try to deny it!”
Zhao Hu nodded in satisfaction: "Good! We'll do it your way. In three days, I'll see just who these 'stunning beauties' really are!"
The two exchanged a glance, their eyes gleaming with unwavering determination. They analyzed their flawless plan, confident it would expose Lin Xiaowan and her group's disguise. Meanwhile, Lin Xiaowan and her companions, sensing their suspicion, became even more vigilant. They were unsure of Zhao Hu and Qian Bin's specific methods, but prepared to meet each challenge head-on. Thus, a battle of wits and courage was about to unfold at the seemingly peaceful "Heroes' Banquet."